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| Details |
| Author: | Athena |
| Summary: | Blue Squad gets a bonus paladin in Dame Kitharian Du Lac to head back to Coldarra to aid the Kirin Tor in gathering materials by negotiating with ancients and frostberry bushes, better their understanding of each other by discussing the cultural differences between dames, knights, priests, and druids historically, and help the red dragonflight by fighting the potential end of the world, where their efforts work 100% of the time 50% of the time. 7898 words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
Caspis hugs Anareline.
Anareline hugs Caspis back.
[Anareline]: It's back to the dragons today?
Caspis pulls back and studies her face, nodding solemnly.
Kitharian steps out of the inn and stretches, then grins. "Colson!"
Mordecai takes a small step behind Colson. He's not hiding or anything.
Atley nods at Anareline.
[Kitharian]: And Mr. Colson, I see. *She gives Mordecai a little salute.*
[Dane]: Milady. Caspis.
[Anareline]: You'll be careful. *Ana says it as if this is a certainty.* The Blue dragonflight…
Caspis turns at the human woman's voice and tilts his head, squinting slightly.
Colson smiles faintly at Kit. "Kit. Good afternoon."
Mordecai mumbles a hello.
Anareline turns to the others and waves.
[Caspis]: Mm? Yes, yes of course.
Kitharian looks around. "Is that Sir Atley the Red?"
[Cressidha]: Good afternoon.
Atley eyes Kitharian up and down.
[Kitharian]: So it is. Hello, Cobalt.
[Dane]: Dame Kitharian. It's been some time.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
Caspis has that where-do-I-know-you-from look on his face as he regards Kit.
Atley salutes Caspis with respect.
[Kitharian]: I heard you lot were banging around up here.
[Anareline]: I will leave you here, shalan.
[Caspis]: Travel safely.
Caspis bows before Anareline.
Dane scoffs with amusement. "And banging around we are. Taking the fight where t'needs to be taken, properly."
Colson inclines his head to Kit. They are, in fact, banging around up here.
Cressidha smiles faintly as she traces water-conjuring sigils in the air.
Anareline bows before Caspis.
Kitharian bows slightly to Cressidha. "Lady Aspenwood."
Dane nods in farewell to Anareline before he steps forward and extends his hand towards Dame Kitharian for a firm handshake.
Kitharian's gauntlets clang against Dane's.
Cressidha returns the bow. "Dame Kitharian."
Dane clang clangs before he takes a step back. "Have you just arrived, then?"
Caspis moves closer to Cressidha absently, his manner vigilant.
[Colson]: I hope you are adjusting well to the climate. If you have need of anything, please do not hesitate to ask.
Cressidha hands out water amongst the group. Kit gets water too because she's here.
Kitharian chuckles. "No, but you know me. I've been running here and there, doing odd tasks, making reports."
Dane nods once and glances around. "Aye, well, 'tis much to do about here."
Caspis murmurs a Darnassian phrase absently and bows to Cressidha almost reverently when she gives him water.
Kitharian turns a little so her back isn't to everyone.
Cressidha nods solemnly.
[Kitharian]: What're you up to, today?
[Caspis]: Azizia is apparently still making… diplomatic overtures to DEHTA.
Dane strokes his chin in thought as he looks around. "Properly speaking… Have you any plans for the day, yet?"
Kitharian looks at Caspis, then at Atley. "A few, but nothing urgent. Want an extra sword?"
Colson smiles faintly at Kit, as he looks at Dane.
Dane nods swiftly. "I'll not say no to an extra blade. We're headed northwards, to a strange land you'll — well. S'best to see for yourself."
Mordecai takes out his candles.
Kitharian asks dryly, "Is there anyplace around here that isn't a strange land?"
[Mordecai]: You'll all be careful?
Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.
Dane grumbles. "Too right." He looks to Mordecai and nods. "Ivri wanted me to pass along to you lot to save space for cornbread and ribs."
Caspis is still clearly trying to place Kit. He's staring.
Kitharian looks left, then right. "Can I still come along if my sword doesn't glow in the dark?"
[Dane]: As long as you remember how to use it.
Dane muses wryly, lifting a challenging brow.
Kitharian chuckles.
Colson raises his brows slightly at Kit. "Of course. You will be most welcome."
[Caspis]: Does anyone need armor reinforcement?
Colson's sword definitely glows in the dark.
Caspis holds up a [Borean Armor Kit].
[Kitharian]: I'll let you know after I get hit a few times. So far, so good.
[Dane]: I'll have one of those, Caspis.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
Atley stands at attention and salutes.
Kitharian pauses to frown a little at Caspis. "Do… Have we met?"
[Dane]: Mm. Cheers.
Colson holds Mordecai's hand to his heart for a long moment, looking at him. "We will be as careful as always. Please let Lady Atley know I shall be sure to save space for her cooking."
Mordecai holds the candle up and it bursts into flame. "Light, grant them Fortitude and endurance." He smiles at Colson. "Of course. I love you."
Caspis peers at Kitharian searchingly.
[Caspis]: You look familiar…
Dane nods. "She'll be pleased, I'm sure." He glances between Kitharian and Caspis.
Kitharian snaps her fingers — or tries to, it's really a clank because gauntlets — and nods. "That temple. With the carvings on the wall. Wasn't that you?"
[Caspis]: …your hair…
[Colson]: I love you. I shall see you soon. *It takes Colson another beat before he releases Mordecai's hand, a Blessing of Wisdom in the gesture.*
Dane continues glancing between them as he takes a sip from his waterskin.
[Caspis]: … possibly?
[Cressidha]: Ah. Dame Kitharian, this is Caspis Silvershade. Caspis, this is Dame Kitharian Du Lac.
[Caspis]: I feel sure we've met, but I'm afraid I don't recall when.
Kitharian grins. "Kit, if you please. Kitharian takes too long to say."
[Cressidha]: Ah. As you like.
Mordecai smiles shyly. "Cornbread time."
Caspis bows before Kitharian.
[Mordecai]: Excuse me.
[Dane]: Right then. Either well, we're all well met.
Kitharian grins at Atley.
[Dane]: Let's get to the gryphon master. The Kirin Tor are expecting us.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
[Cressidha]: Straight to Coldarra?
[Dane]: To the Coldarra, aye.
[Dane]: I'll be last.
Cressidha nods.
They fly to Coldarra.
[Dane]: We've still our assignment from last time. We're to collect samples from the Ancients wandering about in the valley. Some ought to be more cooperative than others…
[Dane]: Caspis. Your time to shine. Entreat with the ones that can be entreated.
Colson nods. "I would as soon not harm one of the ancients if possible."
[Caspis]: Yes sir.
[Cressidha]: Just so.
[Caspis]: Some of them are corrupted and will attack us.
[Dane]: Wager we'll be able to tell them apart?
[Caspis]: But those who are not, I can humbly ask for assistance.
[Cressidha]: Yes.
Colson inclines his head. "I expect so, yes."
[Caspis]: You will be able to tell when they attack you.
[Dane]: Right then. Let's get to work.
[Caspis]: Self defense is acceptable.
Dane grunts.
[Cressidha]: Also visually, they were an entirely different color, and glowing.
Colson murmurs blessings before they get going.
[Caspis]: Still, if a glowing one does not attack, I will attempt to speak with it first.
[Cressidha]: Of course.
[Dane]: Wot' do you make of the scenery, Dame?
Atley points at Magic-bound Ancient.
Caspis peers at Magic-bound Ancient searchingly.
Kitharian looks around. "It's cold."
Caspis attempts diplomacy.
[Dane]: Have a care…
Caspis hails Magic-bound Ancient.
The Magic-bound Ancient chooses violence.
Caspis sighs at Magic-bound Ancient.
Caspis frowns.
[Cressidha]: …That would be one of the ones that… yes.
[Dane]: Too far gone. Must be a peace to do them in like this.
[Caspis]: Yes.
[Cressidha]: I'm sorry.
[Caspis]: I have endured worse.
[Dane]: Caspsis, you'll also collect wot' samples we need.
[Caspis]: Yes sir.
Caspis collects scales from the fallen dragonkin.
[Cressidha]: That one looks normal.
[Dane]: Wot's this one, then, shy?
Atley whistles at Glacial Ancient.
Caspis has a conversation with the Ancient in Darnassian.
Glacial Ancient romps about in the snow, unaware.
Cressidha looks fascinated.
Glacial Ancient plucks a splinter from itself and hands it to Caspis.
Colson looks patient. As if this could take all day and he'd be okay.
Dane keeps his shield at the ready.
[Dane]: …That was bloody easy.
Cressidha bows politely to the Ancient, as if it cares.
[Caspis]: They are noble creatures, when not corrupted.
[Cressidha]: Indeed.
[Kitharian]: And beautiful.
[Dane]: I've seen the damage they can do in a fight. Proper good allies to have.
[Colson]: Yes.
Caspis has another little exchange with this one.
Glacial Ancient boo-rah-rooms and plucks a branch off, handing it to Caspis with gentleness.
Caspis does not succeed in sweet-talking this one.
Cressidha awkwardly snaps a splinter of wood from its fallen body.
Caspis converses at great length in Darnassian. This one appears a bit more stubborn.
[Dane]: Bit chatty, him…
Dane growls.
Glacial Ancient finally sighs and hands over a splinter.
Colson appears just as patient as before.
A huge dragon passes overhead.
Colson looks up at the huge dragon.
Glacial Ancient is a big baby about taking out a splinter.
Atley eyes Nexus Watcher up and down.
[Dane]: Ought to put some of them down, sooner or later…
Caspis tries to address the Magic-Bound Ancient, but it just roars and charges at them, flailing.
Colson moves calmly to work in Retribution back.
Caspis has a polite conversation with the next ancient.
Glacial Ancient takes its time choosing JUST the right splinter of itself to hand over.
[Cressidha]: I do hope there's some sort of resistance the uncorrupted ones possess, and that it's not only a matter of time…
[Dane]: T'may be, I fear.
Caspis points at Magic-bound Ancient.
Caspis once again fails to entice the corrupted ancient to give him a splinter.
[Dane]: Cressidha, you've the shard, haven't you?
[Cressidha]: Yes.
Raelorasz says: It was wise of you to bring this to me.
Cressidha hands it over.
Raelorasz knowingly extends a hand and accepts it, admiring it curiously.
[Dane]: Right then. Back to the samples. We still need more.
[Cressidha]: Indeed.
[Caspis]: At least a dozen of each, perhaps a bit more.
Dane grunts.
Caspis is attacked by another would-be tree friend.
[Caspis]: So many of them seem beyond help.
[Dane]: S'wot I've seen from many of them, around the world.
Cressidha nods. "It's a shame."
Glacial Ancient seems to find Caspis's request hilarious, but eventually concedes.
[Dane]: That one laughing, was it …?
[Caspis]: Indeed.
[Kitharian]: That's not creepy.
Cressidha looks very faintly amused.
[Dane]: Mm…
[Cressidha]: I don't believe I've ever heard a tree laugh before.
[Caspis]: That may be the first time I have ever heard an ancient—- yes.
[Dane]: Nor I. Wager t'makes sense.
[Dane]: …Are any of these lady trees?
Kitharian has to grin at the twins.
[Caspis]: No.
Colson smiles faintly back at Kit.
[Caspis]: Ancients do not reproduce sexually.
[Cressidha]: Ah. Nonbinary trees.
[Dane]: Warrant that makes sense.
Glacial Ancient politely hands over a splinter once Caspis (presumably) explains.
[Dane]: Making scores of friends here, aren't you Caspis.
[Colson]: Trees do ordinarily do so. But these are not truly trees.
[Colson]: They are more.
[Caspis]: These are among the oldest creatures on Azeroth.
[Caspis]: Their lifespans are rivaled only by dragons.
[Dane]: How old, you figger'?
[Cressidha]: What were they called when they were younger?
[Caspis]: Many thousands of years.
[Caspis]: They were old when we were young, so I do not know.
[Dane]: Mm… Bloody hell.
[Caspis]: When I was young.
[Cressidha]: I see.
[Caspis]: I am ten thousand years old, and they were ancient when I was a child.
[Colson]: Ah.
[Caspis]: To destroy so many is devastating.
Cressidha says a little awkwardly, "I'm twenty-seven."
[Caspis]: They can reproduce, but an ancient acorn is a very rare thing.
Dane frowns in thought, trying to figure his own age.
[Dane]: Thirty two, then.
[Cressidha]: Ah.
[Caspis]: My hope is that those uncorrupted who are left will produce acorns and repopulate somewhat.
[Dane]: They ought. But first we must rid the land of the rest of this madness…
Colson inclines his head. "May it be so."
Dane snarls up at the Nexus.
[Caspis]: Yes. And when a new ancient is born, it inherits all the knowledge and wisdom of its parent. If only this were so for night elves…
[Kitharian]: Or any of us.
[Dane]: Ought to be convenient, that.
[Dane]: I come from a long line of lumberjacks. Hope this lot can't pick up on that.
Caspis does not say, how much wisdom could a human possibly have to pass on, but his face seems to imply that he is thinking it.
[Cressidha]: I admit I am grateful that I did not… inherit the memories of my parents as a child. That seems…
[Colson]: As though there would be no way to be a child, yes.
[Dane]: I wager I've barely enough space in this head for my own memories.
[Colson]: Perhaps that is in part why they are known only as Ancients.
[Caspis]: Their minds do not work as humans' do… or even kaldorei.
[Caspis]: In a sense, their consciousness exists only to store knowledge.
[Dane]: Mm. Old.
[Caspis]: They are living memory.
[Dane]: Scores of dragonkin.
[Dane]: We've barely dented the 'garrison.'
Cressidha sighs.
[Dane]: Have we enough samples, Caspis?
Caspis counts them.
[Caspis]: I would collect a few more, if I were you, sir.
Dane nods. "Then I'll do it."
Caspis undertakes more negotiations for tree-flesh.
[Dane]: Wot' are you telling them this is for, Caspis?
[Cressidha]: Yes, do they understand why you need samples of their wood?
Cressidha looks curious.
[Dane]: Wot' are you telling them this is for, Caspis?
[Caspis]: To help cure their afflicted brethren.
[Caspis]: That is what it is for, yes?
[Dane]: Aye, well enough.
[Cressidha]: Yes, or simply to understand how to stop what is happening here.
[Caspis]: Strangely, they seem to be able to sense my age.
Dane grunts.
[Caspis]: One of them remembered that I was here before.
[Caspis]: This appears to be why they trust me.
Kitharian seems impressed.
[Caspis]: I did not realize their memory was quite that good.
[Dane]: Before? As in… before the separation of the continents?
[Caspis]: Not then.
[Cressidha]: Fascinating.
[Caspis]: But several thousand years ago, now.
[Dane]: Mm…
Dane shakes his head.
[Caspis]: When Staghelm made his journey here to plant Andrassil.
[Dane]: Right then. Let's return.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
[Kitharian]: Meanwhile, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday.
[Dane]: You joined him on that travel?
[Caspis]: … I did.
Dane looks to Kitharian and squints in thought.
[Dane]: I'd not known.
Caspis looks Stormy.
Cressidha says quietly to herself, "…what did I eat for lunch yesterday?"
[Caspis]: It is not something I am proud of.
[Colson]: Ah. I see.
[Dane]: Did you travel as birds? On ships?
[Caspis]: We sailed. It is too far to fly.
Dane grunts.
[Dane]: When you spoke of your time in this land, I thought you meant in the elder days.
[Cressidha]: It's all elder days to me.
[Caspis]: I was only a child when the world was sundered.
Raelorasz says: Sleep now, young one….
[Kitharian]: Several thousand years isn't elder days?
Colson chuckles at Cress.
Raelorasz says: A wonderful specimen.
[Dane]: Ten thousand. The ancient time.
Caspis bows before Archmage Berinand.
Cressidha smiles faintly at Kit and her brother.
[Caspis]: We have brought the samples you requested, in great abundance.
Archmage Berinand returns the bow. "I'm grateful we have a druid amongst us. I'm sure it made the process much easier."
[Caspis]: Yes.
[Caspis]: Only half of them attempted to kill us.
Archmage Berinand reaches for the samples and nods. "Yes. Yes, these shall do nicely. Thank you."
Kitharian leans against the door jamb.
Archmage Berinand says: I've determined the cause of the instability!
Caspis listens intently to Archmage Berinand.
Cressidha folds her arms. "Oh?"
Colson looks as mild as ever at this announcement. If he's excited about it, it's difficult to tell.
Archmage Berinand says: Azeroth's ley lines are being redirected to the Nexus! It's fascinating! If only I could spend the remainder of my day studying this anomaly…
[Caspis]: ….. what??
Archmage Berinand shakes his head. "Sadly, I must focus on the immediate crisis. The influx of arcane energies is tearing a rift between dimensions."
Caspis goes pale.
Colson looks over at Cressidha at that, possibly faint alarm in his expression.
Archmage Berinand nods to Caspis. "It's really quite fascinating, isn't it?"
Dane knits his brow.
Caspis physically backs away, ears drooping.
[Kitharian]: It… sounds bad.
Cressidha tilts her head.
Dane grunts.
Cressidha looks like she's considering something.
[Colson]: A rift? To where?
Archmage Berinand says: Deep inside the Nexus, the fabric of our universe is being weakened. I cannot stop it, but I've discovered a way to slow it down. Take this into the Nexus and activate it near the forming rift.
Archmage Berinand looks to Colson and hesitates. "Well… to nowhere, precisely. Oblivion. Like Outlands."
[Colson]: The Void? Hm.
[Caspis]: He is going to tear this world asunder. … Again.
[Kitharian]: Oh. Then yes, that's very bad.
Cressidha steps forward to accept the Device from the archmage.
[Colson]: Yes. It is indeed very bad.
[Caspis]: Madness. Madness!
Cressidha examines the [Interdimensional Refabricator] in her hands carefully. "Ah."
Archmage Berinand waves his hands. "Though we may be witnessing the end of our existence, I can't help but marvel. I've learned more in my short time here than in decades of studies."
[Colson]: If we can stop the rift, we must do so as quickly as possible.
Archmage Berinand says: These Ancients are being exposed to incredible levels of arcane energy. It's literally transforming them into something … different, as I'm sure you've noticed.
[Caspis]: What good is knowledge to the dead?
[Cressidha]: I believe this will in fact function to postpone the spread, as you say.
Archmage Berinand shifts in place. "Yes, well…. I'm confident that there's another stage in their metamorphosis. I'll need you to actually enter the Nexus, and find some evidence of their final state."
Caspis begins to pace like a caged saber.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Colson frowns faintly, but nods slowly. "Very well."
Kitharian glances over her shoulder at Caspis.
Archmage Berinand opens and closes his mouth a few times before he just settles with. "…Do be careful."
[Cressidha]: I know what I'm doing.
[Cressidha]: We'll be going inside there, then.
[Dane]: Have a care. This place is as unsteady as any place in Outland.
Dane nods to Cressidha. "Aye, we are."
[Cressidha]: Good.
Colson looks at the Nexus with a mild, neutral expression. "So it would seem, yes."
[Caspis]: Who can stop something like this…?
Dane lifts a brow and scoffs with amusement.
Caspis didn't seem to be asking rhetorically.
[Cressidha]: I can.
Cressidha looks at Caspis.
[Dane]: We've to try. Sounds like we've not much of a choice.
Caspis gazes solemnly at Cressidha.
[Colson]: We will at the least make the attempt with what we have. We must try.
[Caspis]: You can stop the sundering of the world?
Kitharian smiles at Cressidha.
[Cressidha]: Do you want me to explain how the stabilizer he gave me works?
[Dane]: Aye, go on, Cress.
[Caspis]: I do not know that I would understand, but your words might comfort me.
[Kitharian]: Bear in mind, Sir Red, we're not likely to understand the answer.
[Dane]: F'course not.
[Dane]: At least my confusion will be shared by one more today.
Dane growls with amusement.
[Cressidha]: Very well. The device needs to be activated at the central rift. Imagine the ley lines as ribbons across the world, now being pulled towards a central point, yes?
[Caspis]: Yes.
Caspis seems to understand that much.
Dane grunts.
[Cressidha]: And when you pull something too far or too tightly, it might strain, or snap, yes?
[Dane]: Aye…
Dane seems to be waiting for the catch.
[Cressidha]: This device is going to ease some of that pull, allow the— ah, we're here.
[Caspis]: But he said it would only slow it down, not stop it. How do we stop it?
[Colson]: Perhaps with more time they shall find a way.
Dane exhales slowly as he marches forward.
Caspis looks genuinely frightened, almost childlike.
[Cressidha]: … It's like adding extra slack to a rope. Ah, I suppose we figure out what's causing it in the first place, and make it… stop?
[Dane]: One bridge at a time, you lot. Literally.
[Cressidha]: They must have something in there.
Dane falls back to clasp Caspis firmly on the shoulder.
[Colson]: Or perhaps we may determine who has the power to cease what is being done.
[Dane]: And kill them.
Caspis gazes at Atley solemnly. "Do not fear that I will shrink from my duty, shan'var."
[Dane]: Didn't cross my mind for one second.
Caspis nods.
[Kitharian]: Sort of pretty.
[Dane]: Unnatural.
[Caspis]: It reminds me of the portals we made to the Emerald Dream…
[Kitharian]: I'm not saying I want one on my wall.
[Cressidha]: Down there.
Cressidha takes out her feathers.
[Caspis]: How do we…
[Dane]: Right then…
[Caspis]: Ah, this one feels… hm.
[Kitharian]: Purple-ier.
Caspis side-eyes Kitharian, as though unsure if that is proper Common.
[Colson]: It is indeed more purple.
Caspis stays near Cressidha as though she were a space heater of some kind.
[Dane]: Easy, Cress…
[Cressidha]: It's just a portal.
[Dane]: I don't trust it, not in this place.
[Caspis]: Farther down?
[Dane]: Delve deeper, then?
[Caspis]: To the very bowels of the earth…
[Cressidha]: Yes.
[Dane]: Do we've access?
Colson looks at Cressidha.
Caspis is clearly not willing to go first through the swirly portal.
Dane sets his jaw.
Colson is not the best one to test a portal swirl. He'd have to do it with his eyes closed.
Kitharian would absolutely go through the swirly portal, but she probably isn't the one Dane was asking.
Cressidha walks towards the swirly portal. There is a SNAP of blue energy and Cressidha is flung back violently through the air. However, her levitate spell is still active from jumping down, and she drifts gently rather than going crunch.
Colson moves to catch her anyway.
[Kitharian]: Whoa…
[Caspis]: Are you all right?
Cressidha clears her throat.
Dane spins around and leaps to Cressidha. "You right?"
[Cressidha]: I'm. Fine, yes. Thank you.
Colson sets a hand gently on Cressidha's shoulder.
[Cressidha]: Excuse me. Let me just…
[Cressidha]: Allow me to try again?
[Dane]: No. Not today.
[Dane]: This is beyond any of us. Let's return to the Kirin TOr.
[Cressidha]: But—
[Caspis]: Perhaps she could be allowed one more try?
[Cressidha]: At least let me get a sense of the sealing spell.
[Caspis]: She seems confident.
[Dane]: I'm not having your death on my hands, Cressidha.
[Caspis]: I will not let her fall.
Dane glances between them.
[Kitharian]: If she got thrown back any farther, she would've landed on the Kirin Tor.
[Caspis]: I beg you to remember that I have sworn to heal the Blue Squad. We also have two paladins present.
[Cressidha]: I need to tell them what the problem is.
[Dane]: Do not make me regret this…
[Colson]: Cressidha, can you sense it still through a Hand of Protection?
[Cressidha]: Yes, I assume so.
Kitharian watches Cressidha, uneasy.
[Colson]: Very well.
Dane steps out of her way.
[Caspis]: I have bolstered her as well with gifts of the wild.
[Cressidha]: Thank you.
Cressidha approaches the portal much more cautiously and slowly this time.
Dane glares.
Caspis watches her like a hawk. Like, VERY much like a hawk. Eerily so.
Colson walks with Cress to the portal, waiting for her to close on it before he places a [Hand of Protection] on her.
Cressidha holds a hand out. From the portal, there's an intense vibration of that blue energy. She steps very very slowly closer.
There's a ZAP. Cressidha is not blown back, thanks to the [Hand of Protection], but she steps forward and the portal doesn't permit her to pass through it either.
Colson holds the shield in place as long as he can. It's 10 seconds.
Caspis, seeing that Cress is in no imminent mortal danger, gets distracted and begins to look up… up… up the way they came.
Dane exhales slowly.
Cressidha shakes her head and returns.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
[Dane]: Right then. Let's return and tell wot' we've seen.
Kitharian matches Dane's slow exhale.
[Cressidha]: I believe I'll be able to at least describe it to the Kirin Tor, now.
[Cressidha]: Thank you.
[Caspis]: What I would not give for my wings…
[Colson]: Do you not have them?
[Caspis]: I have been unable to take that form here.
Dane briefly looks back at the towering structure as they leave.
[Caspis]: Something to do with the cold, I think.
[Colson]: Ah.
Colson understands that. It's just cold out. It's fine.
[Caspis]: I will consult with shan'do Palemoon when I have time.
[Colson]: I am certain it happens to many druids.
Cressidha frowns on their way back.
Caspis eyes Colson.
[Cressidha]: Archmage.
Colson seems entirely sincere.
Archmage Berinand says: Yes, archmage?
[Caspis]: We have terrible news.
Archmage Berinand's features fall. "Oh, Light… Now what?"
Cressidha blinks. She seems genuinely surprised at being addressed so, but she quickly rallies. "I'm afraid we were unable to enter."
Caspis looks very doomy.
Cressidha describes the sealing spell in very incomprehensible technical detail.
Caspis does not comprehend.
Archmage Berinand strokes his beard in thought. "I suspected something like this would happen. You'll have to return to me in time while I work out the details."
[Cressidha]: Of course. Shall I leave the interdimensional refabricator with you in the meantime?
Cressidha offers him the Device back.
Archmage Berinand raises a hand. "You hold onto it, please. You may need it."
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Cressidha puts it away in one of her bags.
Raelorasz flags the group down. "Cobalt Company!"
[Cressidha]: Please alert us immediately of further developments.
Cressidha looks over.
Colson nods.
Raelorasz says: This is war, mortal, and we are the tip of the spear.
Colson doesn't blink at being called the tip of a spear.
Caspis staaaaaaares at Raelorasz.
Raelorasz says: Your little spats over land or currency pale in comparison to this conflict. We face the aspect Malygos and his -entire- blue dragonflight. All you need to know is that if he is victorious, this world shall be no more.
Cressidha bows politely but formally, the way one might to a dragon.
Raelorasz says: We are but few here, and we fly against many. Our deaths are all but a certainty, and our ultimate success lies in merely delaying our enemy.
Kitharian does not roll her eyes, but she definitely looks like someone trying not to roll their eyes.
Raelorasz says: Go now. Busy yourself while I decide what to do with you.
Dane lifts a brow.
Colson merely makes a faint 'hm' sound, his expression as mild and polite as ever.
Librarian Serrah waves a hand. "Ahem, pardon!"
[Kitharian]: Let's go talk to her. She's nice.
Caspis peers at her, as though expecting another dragon.
[Colson]: Is there anything in particular we should be busying ourselves with?
Raelorasz grins toothily. "Why, the enemy of course."
[Cressidha]: As you say.
[Colson]: I see.
Colson bows formally to Raelorasz, holding it for as long as it should be.
Librarian Serrah lowers his voice and wrinkles up her nose. "He is … he has his dramatic moments. The situation really is quite dire, of course."
[Colson]: So it would seem.
Kitharian's lips twitch.
Caspis walks over to the Librarian, but then slowly and distractedly turns around to stare more at Raelorasz.
Librarian Serrah says: But oh! What a relief it is to see a fresh face here. I was beginning to feel we had been forsaken.
Raelorasz peers evenly at Caspis, tilting his head.
Librarian Serrah says: Our supply lines were cut off days ago, and things have been looking, well, bleak. To be honest, this was a doomed mission to begin with if you ask me.
Caspis twitches when he realizes he's being stared back at, and then ducks his head, ears wilting, like a scolded schoolboy. He turns away quickly.
Colson frowns faintly at that. "Do you have any reason to believe it was intended to be so?"
Librarian Serrah says: Maybe I'm simply not cut out for all of this violence - to say nothing of the bitter cold! I'd much rather be back in Dalaran studying ancient texts. I confess, I'm not much of a field agent.
Librarian Serrah frowns faintly at Colson and shakes her head. "No, no I do not believe so."
Cressidha says gently, "I understand."
Raelorasz stares into the back of Caspis' skull.
Colson inclines his head to the librarian. "Simply a matter of circumstance, perhaps, then."
Librarian Serrah clasps his spindly fingers together. "Indeed. To the point, our food supply is nearly spent. Please, gather what you can and bring it to me."
Caspis brightens. This, he can do!
[Cressidha]: One can subsist for quite a time on conjured bread and water, but it isn't the healthiest diet.
[Dane]: Well 'nuff, then. We'll find wot' we can, milady.
Colson sounds compassionate. "Of course."
[Cressidha]: Does anything grow around here that is edible?
[Caspis]: There are some berries in the area that should do nicely.
[Cressidha]: Lovely.
[Colson]: Frostberry.
[Dane]: Let's get a move on then … berry pickers.
Dane growls lowly with amusement.
[Colson]: Yes. They can be harvested in rather large amounts, with no harm to the bush.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
[Kitharian]: Think of it as "reprovisioning an outpost from local flora", Sir Atley.
[Dane]: …Aye. I shall.
Cressidha laughs quietly.
Colson laughs, a brief, bright sound at Kit.
[Caspis]: Survival, at times, can involve both the spectacular and the mundane.
[Caspis]: These.
[Cressidha]: These are the correct bushes?
[Colson]: Just so, Caspis.
[Colson]: Yes. Frostberry.
Cressidha nods. She gathers some into one of the many bags she carries.
[Dane]: Looks to be. These aren't poisoned or somming', are they? I'm no botanist.
[Caspis]: I assume they are edible to humans as well…? *he asks belatedly*
[Colson]: No.
[Colson]: I am something of an amateur botanist.
Cressidha smiles faintly.
Colson says humbly. He's probably beyond amateur by now.
Cressidha eats one (1) frostberry. "Oh, they're surprisingly good," she says, as if she expected them not to be.
[Caspis]: We found them quite filling when we were here last, but I suppose Colson Aspenwood would know better regarding human consumption.
[Caspis]: I should not have assumed.
[Dane]: You can remember that long…
Dane shakes his head in amazement.
[Caspis]: My memory, for whatever reason, is sharper for things long past than things recent.
[Cressidha]: Well, it was delicious, and I shall tell you if I experience any side effects.
[Dane]: Older than the lowest bricks of Stormwind Keep.
[Colson]: The botany journal I studied from was written by a kaldorei.
[Dane]: Caspis, your bags next.
[Caspis]: As you wish, shan'var.
[Dane]: Colson, you've a mind for where these things might grow.
[Dane]: Lead on.
Colson inclines his head to Dane. "Very well."
Caspis seems content to autofollow.
Atley nods at Glacial Ancient.
[Dane]: Mm… sir.
[Dane]: Colson, you'll be next.
[Dane]: Mmm. No. Dame Kitharian.
[Dane]: You've been assigned berry picking duty.
[Caspis]: What does 'Dame' signify?
[Colson]: It is a title, such as 'sir.'
[Kitharian]: Only not as earned as a Knight's title.
[Caspis]: Meaning what?
[Dane]: T'means she is not a Lady, like Cressidha.
[Dane]: She is a sworn knight, and paladin.
Caspis looks confused.
Colson looks at the frostberries with a sense of a smile. "Remarkable growth here."
[Kitharian]: I'd be offended but it's true, I'm not a lady.
[Caspis]: I am not certain I understand.
[Dane]: She is a peer of mine and Colson, socially.
[Colson]: She is a paladin, as I am.
[Dane]: Dame is the female version of a knight, Caspis.
[Caspis]: Ah!
[Cressidha]: Some titles are gendered, in Common.
[Caspis]: So… lord and lady, sir and dame?
[Colson]: Yes.
[Dane]: Aye.
[Cressidha]: Yes.
[Caspis]: We do not do that.
[Dane]: Though Dame and Knight are equal.
[Dane]: More equal than typical lords and ladies.
Cressidha says dryly, "Try telling that to my mother."
Colson smiles gently.
[Dane]: Often, that is.
Cressidha's tone definitely implies that her mother is a total badass.
[Dane]: Colson and Dame Kit are sworn to Stormwind and the Silver Hand, the Argent Crusade.
[Colson]: Ah, we shall need to head farther in for the trees.
[Caspis]: For much of kaldorei history, men and women had entirely different roles in society.
[Colson]: Frostberries require some level of shading from the elements, and grow amongst larger trees.
Dane grunts.
[Colson]: Yes, excellent growth.
[Dane]: Right then, that'll do, Dame.
Cressidha smiles faintly.
[Caspis]: It was strange to me, at first, seeing your male warriors…
[Dane]: My turn.
[Cressidha]: Oh?
[Kitharian]: Atley. For the love of the Light, call me Kit.
[Dane]: Kit.
[Caspis]: Mm, yes, for most of my life, all of the great warriors I knew were women.
[Colson]: Ah, yes. Of course.
[Colson]: The sentinels.
[Dane]: Auralind's a prime example of your folks' average warrior class, mm?
[Caspis]: Yes.
[Dane]: Bit opposite, for us. But not as strict.
[Dane]: Wager a bit of that and a bit of tradition for us, but the times change.
[Caspis]: But later, some in the Circle attempted to make it law, rather than natural preference.
[Dane]: The demand is greater.
[Colson]: Ah.
[Cressidha]: Hm.
[Caspis]: I never saw any problem with female druids, having been taught by one, but it has taken me some time to adjust to the idea of a… priest of Elune.
Colson seems mild at that.
[Cressidha]: Why?
Cressidha sounds genuinely curious.
Caspis thinks it over, trying to put it into words.
[Caspis]: I had always thought of them as reflections of Her.
[Colson]: Of Elune?
Dane grunts.
[Caspis]: Yes. And Elune is female.
[Dane]: Colson.
(Colson’s turn to pick berries.)
Dane nods.
Colson nods. "Of course."
[Caspis]: Your Light would not see gender, I imagine, but I had presumed Elune would not speak to a man.
[Kitharian]: Some women like men, I hear.
Kitharian smiles a little.
Cressidha laughs out loud.
Colson smiles faintly.
[Dane]: Some do, aye.
[Caspis]: Elune loves all of her children, but I had not thought she would speak through a man until I met Celaven Evensong.
[Colson]: Ah, Celaven.
[Caspis]: I have seen Her light in him, beyond doubt.
[Dane]: And you warrant he properly speaks for her?
Caspis nods at Colson.
[Colson]: Of no doubt.
[Caspis]: And then he led me to Anareline.
[Dane]: As far as I've read there's been no ban on women being knights. Not even since the days of Thoradin. They just were less common.
[Caspis]: Yes, this is much as it was with Sentinels and Druids, before. Most men preferred to commune with nature, most women were drawn to war and the priesthood.
[Dane]: Your folk do produce some fierce women…
Dane muses somewhat fondly.
[Caspis]: In Darnassian, 'fierce woman' is very nearly redundant.
Colson fills yet another bag of berries.
Dane growls with amusement.
[Dane]: Too right.
[Colson]: I do believe we have stripped what we can safely do so of the berries here.
[Dane]: Tyrande Whisperwind is a legendary fighter.
[Colson]: We shall have to wait for regrowth to take more.
[Dane]: We've got wot' we can, have we?
[Cressidha]: Very well.
[Colson]: What we can safely harvest, yes. Without doing damage to the system here.
[Caspis]: I have never seen her in combat, only in… verbal conflict
[Dane]: I've seen her fight, from afar.
[Caspis]: I have heard her say words to Fandral Staghelm that ought to have left him, as you would say in Common, "bleeding out."
[Colson]: Ah.
[Caspis]: Our 'mother' and 'father' do not get along well.
[Dane]: Mm.
Cressidha goes to deliver her berries.
Librarian Serrah says: Ah, you've returned.
[Caspis]: It feels good to at last bring good news.
Caspis bows before Librarian Serrah.
Caspis sets down his sack o' frostberries at her feet.
Librarian Serrah nods and smiles sweetly, but it's strained. "Well… it's not much. But! It should keep us alive for another day. Thank you."
Colson gently hands over his collection of berries. "Please do be sure to keep them cold, if you do intend to eat them over the next few days. And do not harvest from most of the bushes here until the current blooms have resolved into berries."
Kitharian snorts a laugh at "keep them cold".
Librarian Serrah nods to Colson. "I'll be certain to."
[Caspis]: If you eat them alongside fish you may find yourself satisfied for longer than you would expect.
Librarian Serrah says: Our existence here depends entirely upon staying hidden. Should the shield fail, even for a moment, Malygos' minions would have us.
Colson glances back at the shield that they've been going in and out of, very obviously.
[Colson]: Ah.
Cressidha looks over at the three warmages channeling.
Librarian Serrah says: One of my responsibilities is to rejuvenate the warmages' mana levels so their focus doesn't falter. With our supply lines lost, I've been forced to improvise. I could use your help.
[Colson]: Of course.
Librarian Serrah says: Very near the Nexus, Arcane Serpents feast on the abundant magical energies. Once defeated, they will yield a mana essence I can make use of.
Caspis frowns. Can't he just do some more nice natural foraging, gosh.
Colson immediately sends out several [Greater Blessing of Wisdom] to the mages in the meantime.
The mages maintain their concentration, but they show signs of gratitude on the inside.
[Cressidha]: We can certainly gather some, if you'd like.
[Colson]: Ah.
Librarian Serrah beams. "Stupendous."
Dane grunts and walks over to Raelorasz.
Colson's expression goes more neutral at the mention of the mana wyrms.
[Colson]: They do explode when they are overcharged with mana. We must have a care to be certain these are not.
Raelorasz says: Now that you've become familiar with the enemy, it's time for you to get to work.
Colson doesn't look like he's been working, but they probably have been. For almost two hours.
[Dane]: You seem to be a … learned man. Wot's all this properly about?
Kitharian leans forward and folds her arms on the pommel of Ferocity's saddle. The look she gives Raelorasz suggests he is where manners go to die.
Caspis flinches at 'learned man'
Raelorasz says: In a word, magic.
Caspis leans over and whispers in Dane's ear.
Colson seems just as mild as ever at that explanation, but his voice is dry. "Ah, magic, yes."
Cressidha covers her mouth to hide a smile.
Raelorasz says: Irresponsible mortals with their brief lifespans think nothing of the lasting effects of their actions.
Dane nods stiffly at Caspis, still just as uncomfortable around Raelorasz as when he walked up.
Caspis nods at Raelorasz. Silly mortals.
Raelorasz says: Arcane energies have been tapped too liberally, disrupting the world's balance.If this is allowed to continue, Azeroth will soon be annihilated.
Caspis may be mortal, but no one ever accused his lifespan of being short.
Raelorasz says: On this, both sides agree. But before a council could even be appointed, Malygos put his own plan into action. We had no choice but to confront him.
[Dane]: Malygos being —
Colson's expression grows grim, a neutrality in it.
[Colson]: The Aspect that went…*Colson looks at Caspis.*
Caspis facepalms gently.
Raelorasz cuts him off. "Malygos the Spellweaver, the Lord of Magic Itself, Master of the Blue Dragonflight."
[Kitharian]: Oh.
Raelorasz says: He is the blue dragon aspect, one of the most ancient creatures on Azeroth.
You know, the one who went cray-cray.
Raelorasz says: He is said to be recovering from a madness which has lasted for millennia, yes, but his recent actions lead me and the rest of my kin to believe that he is still far from sane.
Raelorasz says: His solution to our dilemma is to search out and destroy every magic-wielding mortal on Azeroth.
[Colson]: I see.
Raelorasz stares at Cressidha.
Cressidha stares back.
[Caspis]: That does not sound particularly wise, no.
Raelorasz says: As the guardians of life, this has force the red dragonflight to take action.
Caspis nods.
Kitharian's horse nudges closer to Cressidha. No reason.
Raelorasz says: Dragon now fights against dragon, and the fate of our frail world lies in the balance.
Caspis's ears droop.
Colson sets a hand gently on Cressidha's shoulder.
Dane briefly turns to peer at the Nexus.
[Cressidha]: Kidnapping and destroying every mage on Azeroth is one thing, but bending the ley lines of the world towards this point? If he seeks to punish us for destroying the world slowly, destroying it quickly hardly seems to be the way to go about it.
[Colson]: Indeed.
Cressidha sighs. "But I suppose he is not thinking rationally."
Raelorasz says: As I said… I doubt his sanity.
[Dane]: So we're to kill him then.
Dane growls.
Colson exhales slowly. It's too controlled to be a sigh.
Caspis's eyes go wide.
Raelorasz briefly looks amused. "Perhaps. In due time."
[Caspis]: Kill a Dragon Aspect?
[Colson]: Is there no other way?
[Caspis]: Would not the world crumble?
Kitharian cocks her head at Caspis, interested in the answer.
Raelorasz inclines his head towards Colson and Caspis. "The situation is nuanced, but as a member of Alexstrasza's brood, I have a duty to protect all life."
Cressidha leans back against the crates, arms folded. She doesn't look tired.
[Caspis]: Though Neltharion and Malygos both went mad, they still live, and I have always assumed the balance of the world depends upon it.
[Colson]: Could we not…perhaps seek some other way? A cure for this madness, or perhaps, send him to a rest?
Caspis nods vigorously at Colson.
Raelorasz says: If he cannot be cured before the ending of this world, he can only be … replaced.
[Caspis]: I shudder to think what would happen to the world if there were no Aspect of Magic.
[Colson]: Replaced?
[Caspis]: He can… they can be … replaced?
Caspis looks stunned. His ears go limp.
Colson looks over at Caspis. Is that a thing? Oh no, Caspis doesn't know either.
[Colson]: How could such a thing be done?
Raelorasz inclines his head. "I will speak no more of this. Not now. Already you have learned more than most mortals."
Cressidha also looks at Caspis.
[Caspis]: It never has, in my lifetime. I… do not know.
[Cressidha]: …Very well. Thank you for your time.
Raelorasz says: Know only that the fate of this world depends upon your actions here.
Caspis bows before Raelorasz.
Cressidha bows formally to Raelorasz again.
Colson exhales slowly again, but he bows politely to Raelorasz. "Of course. Thank you for your time."
[Kitharian]: Well. That's… information.
[Caspis]: I honor the red dragonflight, always.
Raelorasz says: Our goals here are simple. We are to remain hidden from Malygos, observe his brood, and thwart his efforts wherever possible. To that end, when you return next, I have a task for you.
[Cressidha]: Of course.
Caspis listens intently to Raelorasz.
Raelorasz says: The blues are laying their eggs at the base of the Nexus. Exposure to so much arcane energy will surely make them hatch sooner, and there's no telling what effect it will have on their spawn.
[Colson]: Ah. That explains their numbers.
Raelorasz says: I don't intend to find out. Slay the local wyrmkin and use their frozen axes to break the eggs when you return.
[Cressidha]: Very well.
Dane lifts a brow. "Right then."
Caspis looks troubled.
[Caspis]: I need… time to… think on this.
Colson doesn't look the type to wield an axe, but he probably can.
[Dane]: Blue Squad, on me.
Colson is on Dane.
Platonically.
[Dane]: We live in dark days. Should be no surprise to any of you. We're dismissed for today. But keep in mind wot' lies ahead.
Cressidha stands by Caspis in solidarity.
[Dane]: Kit. Your blade was welcome, and shall be again.
[Caspis]: Cressidha, is there any way you can ascertain for certain if the unborn dragons are already corrupted?
[Kitharian]: It's yours, when you need it.
Dane inclines his head.
[Cressidha]: I can look into it.
[Caspis]: By the arcane energies of the Nexus?
Colson stands in solidarity with Cress and Caspis, but maybe also to be closer to Cress so near the blue dargons kidnapping mages.
[Dane]: Do not any of you roam this land alone. Not even you, Cress. Especially not.
[Colson]: She will not be.
[Caspis]: I would not destroy them if they can be saved.
[Kitharian]: I'd like to inform the order, with your permission.
[Caspis]: The order…?
Caspis peers at Kitharian searchingly.
[Dane]: Only the ones who need to know. The average squire doesn't need to be sweating over the end of the world.
[Cressidha]: I intended to remain here and assist the warmages holding the shield, and perhaps discuss with Archmage Berinand how we might gain entry to the Nexus.
[Colson]: Are there more of the Argent Crusade here? I heard they were on the other landing.
[Cressidha]: I do not intend to wander about alone.
[Colson]: And without the mail…
[Colson]: I would not recommend an overland journey, Kit.
Kitharian clarifies for Caspis' benefit, "The other paladins."
Dane looks to Cressidha and nods. "That's well 'nuff."
Caspis nods.
Kitharian just smiles at Colson.
[Kitharian]: I'm not saying it will be fast.
[Dane]: We've stumbled upon a dragon civil war. The victor decides the fate of this world, you lot.
[Cressidha]: Ah. Do be cautious, Kit.
Colson doesn't sigh at Kit, but he looks like he's thinking about it. "Be cautious, Kit."
[Caspis]: If I must choose between Magic and Life, I would choose Life, but I do not know that this world could endure the loss of an Aspect.
Kitharian looks between the twins. "You two are a little uncanny sometimes, did anyone ever tell you that?"
[Cressidha]: Frequently, yes.
[Colson]: Yes.
[Kitharian]: Oh good.
[Dane]: I'll admit I knew little of dragons and their workings 'till recently.
Colson smiles gently at Kit.
[Dane]: Can an aspect be slain? Replaced?
[Caspis]: It seems I knew less than I thought, as well.
Kitharian grins. "I'm going to go start writing a note. Leave word at the Inn if you need me."
[Caspis]: For all of kaldorei history, there have been only these Five.
[Colson]: Of course. Light be with you, Kit.
[Caspis]: So I do not know if they can be replaced.
Colson passes another Blessing over Kit.
Cressidha looks thoughtful.
[Colson]: Is there anyone who might know more?
[Colson]: Your…ah, teacher?
[Caspis]: Only the dragons themselves, and they are… not fully forthcoming, it would seem.
[Dane]: First dragon I had a hand in slaying was in the Third War. T'was black, it and its brood. Wasn't bloody talkative, either.
[Colson]: I see.
[Colson]: Then we must rely on the expertise of the red dragonflight in this matter.
[Caspis]: Even my shan'do, relatively speaking, is not much older than I.
[Dane]: They seem to be the most … sane of the bunch.
Dane briefly side-eyes Adami's mount.
[Colson]: Or at least the most determined to seek a potential end to this conflict.
[Dane]: Regardless. We're dismissed.
[Colson]: Yessir.
Caspis salutes Atley with respect.
[Dane]: I'm to meet with the tuskarr and maintain relations.
Colson salutes Dane automatically at the order.
Atley salutes Caspis with respect.
[Cressidha]: Travel safely.
Atley salutes Colson with respect.
[Cressidha]: I shall remain here.
[Dane]: Cress… have a care. Even staying here among the Kirin Tor.
Cressidha nods. "I intend to."
Dane grunts and walks off.
Colson looks like the care might be Colson.
[Colson]: Light be with you, Dane.
Caspis wanders off…
[Dane]: Aye, you all as well.
[Colson]: Light be with you, Caspis.
Colson doesn't leave Cress' side.
Cressidha glances in Caspis' direction, shakes her head, and goes to consult with the Archmage.